By Agbo Christian Obiora
It was a day of colour, courage, and celebration in Nigeria’s capital city as neurodivergent and neurotypical children stormed the runway at the 3rd Edition of the Inclusive African Children’s Runway, held on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Organized by The Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative, a nonprofit founded by Bibora Yinkere and driven largely by parents of children with intellectual disabilities, the event brought together children of all abilities to showcase not only their talents in fashion and modelling but also the power of inclusion, unity, and dignity.
Set against the backdrop of traditional music, storytelling, and cultural expression, the event transformed a simple runway into a stage of transformation — not just for the children, but for the society they live in.
More Than Just a Runway — A Movement for Visibility and Inclusion
In a moving opening speech delivered on behalf of Bibora Yinkere by Stella Creepy, the runway was described as a platform that has grown beyond its humble beginnings in 2023.
“This event has evolved into a dynamic platform where children with disabilities take centre stage — redefining beauty, shattering stereotypes, and amplifying unheard voices,” Creepy said.
She emphasized that the runway is more than a fashion show — it is a living, breathing movement for disability inclusion, cultural pride, and social justice.
“Through the universal language of fashion, music, and storytelling, this event creates space for families, allies, and change-makers to demand equal access to education, inclusive policies, and safe environments where all children — regardless of ability — can thrive and shine.”
The passion in her voice was clear: this was not a plea for sympathy, but a declaration of rights. She condemned the invisibility and humiliation many children with disabilities face in schools, homes, and communities.
“Children with disabilities have been hidden, silenced, and shamed — not because they are incapable, but because society has failed to make space for their brilliance.”
A Joyous Occasion of Fashion, Culture, and Change
The day was filled with unforgettable moments as children with disabilities walked the runway side by side with their peers, parents, and even dignitaries. The audience witnessed a colourful display of cultural attire, joyful dancing, and powerful drama performances, all centred around the theme of inclusion and hope.
The runway pulsed with love, laughter, and pride as families celebrated their children’s confidence, resilience, and beauty. Each outfit told a story. Each step on the runway was a defiant march against exclusion and stigma.
For the children — many of whom have often been hidden from public life — it was a day to shine, to be seen, to be applauded not for what they had to overcome, but simply for who they are.
Opening Remarks: A Call for Courage, Equity, and Action
In her opening address, Yinkere (through Stella Creepy) declared:
“We believe children with disabilities should not have to prove their worth to be included. Their humanity is enough.”
She noted that the event had grown from a “hopeful vision” in 2023 into a movement that brings people together across ability, culture, and background.
“From the first edition, we saw something beautiful unfold: children with and without disabilities walking side by side, forming friendships, and sharing joy. That spark of inclusion has kept us going ever since.”
Policy, Power, and the Role of Leaders
In his keynote address, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, Chairman of the event, didn’t hold back.
“Children with disabilities have been deeply neglected — not necessarily out of hatred, but ignorance,” he said. “They are excluded from classrooms, playgrounds, and even celebrations.”
He urged Nigerian policymakers to step up and champion the rights of children with disabilities, adding that without their active inclusion, Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development or social progress.
“This event is a reminder that every child matters, regardless of their condition. Inclusion must move from slogan to policy, from sentiment to systemic change.”
Realities Beyond the Spotlight
While the runway glittered with joy and unity, the realities many families face remain stark.
Yinkere, through her representative, reminded the audience that support must go beyond the event day. Many of the children on the runway face challenges in returning to school or accessing therapies and assistive devices due to financial hardship.
“The needs of children with developmental disabilities do not end on the runway. Education, therapy, and support systems must be sustained — not seasonal.”
She appealed to partners, government agencies, and private individuals to provide long-term support so that these children can continue to thrive long after the curtains fall.
A United Front: Actors Guild, NCPWD, NGOs Join the Cause
The event drew participation and endorsement from notable organizations, including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), TAF Africa, Cedar Seed Foundation, and the Actors Guild of Nigeria — showing that the movement is gaining both momentum and institutional backing.
Their presence served as a sign that disability inclusion is no longer a fringe conversation — it is a mainstream imperative that demands national attention.
*A Runway That Reflects Society’s Heartbeat
If fashion reflects the times, then this runway reflects the kind of world we aspire to build — one where difference is not hidden but honoured, where no child is left behind, and where inclusion is more than rhetoric.
The 3rd Edition of the Inclusive African Children’s Runway was not just a fun-filled event — it was a moment of reckoning, a celebration of *human dignity, and a clarion call to governments, communities, and citizens:
Let every child be seen. Let every child be heard. Let every child belong.
